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SMEs 'must' improve digital training

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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to introduce better digital training in the workplace, according to a new survey of 1,000 UK employees.

The research - conducted by TalkTalk Business - revealed that 44 per cent would prefer to look online for information about a specific firm, while 42 per cent of respondents expect SMEs to have their own mobile website.

It also found that 15 per cent of people questioned in the north of Britain are currently struggling with basic tasks such as word-processing, highlighting the areas that bosses need to improve training in, reports the Journal.

Meanwhile, almost one-third said they believe enhanced IT skills would provide a welcome boost to their career development.

Charles Bligh, managing director of TalkTalk Business, noted that the internet has changed a great deal over a short space of time and businesses can no longer get away with simply having a website, rather they should be "effective online".

He added: "Employees are crying out to improve their digital skills and by making just a few small changes to things like your email and web address, you can boost your chances for growth."

The telecommunications firm is currently working with skills charity Go ON UK, which recently launched a campaign in the north-east of the UK that is seeking to improve digital capabilities across the region.

Fashion retailer JulesB is one company that has shown commitment to the online channel, with 60 per cent of the organisation now focused on internet shopping.

Head of ecommerce and development at the brand Tom Baxter said growth and the future of the business is a priority, and having a "functional, aesthetically driven website that represents the ambitions of the company and what it stands for is critical".

This comes after a study conducted by video specialist simpleshow earlier this year revealed that more than half (52 per cent) of learning and development managers use digital training to education employees in an engaging way.